Across the nation.

Study Finds No Harm In Vinyl Softeners

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vinyl softeners that some groups oppose in IV bags are safe for use in both medical devices and children's toys, a study released Tuesday said.

A panel of scientists headed by former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop said it reviewed previously published and ongoing studies on DEHP, a substance used to soften polyvinyl chloride intravenous bags that hold blood, medicine and other fluids.

The Koop panel's findings contrast sharply with a study released last week by Health Care Without Harm, a coalition of consumer, health and environmental groups campaigning against vinyl bags. That group said its review of more than 100 studies showed the substance could harm multiple organ systems in animals and pose a danger to humans when it leaches into fluids.